Could Periodontal Disease Cause Alzheimer’s? With Your Dentist in Edison

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth largest cause of death in the world? And yet much about Alzheimer’s remains a mystery, including the cause and a way to treat and cure it. In fact, in 2018, the US National Institutes of Health spend almost $2 billion on Alzheimer’s research with a 99 percent failure rate for drug development. However, recent research suggests a possible connection between this condition and periodontal disease. Learn more about this from your dentist in Edison.

What is Alzheimer’s?

As the most common kind of dementia, Alzheimer’s impacts a person’s memory, thinking, and behavior. It develops and progresses slowly, and it worsens over time. Although most patients who get Alzheimer’s are over 65 years old, it is not simply an “old age” disease or a natural part of aging. Although there is currently no cure, there are treatments that can help with the symptoms and temporarily slow the progression of the disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, otherwise referred to as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition in the gums. When plaque is allowed to build up along the gum line, the bacteria in it produce acids that irritate the gums. At first the gums only become red and swollen. Over time, they separate from the teeth, creating pockets where more plaque and bacteria can accumulate. Then the infection spreads to the jaw bone and tissue, often causing permanent damage. As a result, teeth can start to become loose and eventually need to be removed.

It may surprise you to learn that periodontal disease is extremely common. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that 47.2 percent of American adults over the age of 30 have periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease. That statistic jumps up to 70 percent for adults 65 and older.

How can periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s be connected?

Several recent studies have had interesting findings that connect these two seemingly unrelated diseases. For example, researchers found the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease in areas of the brain that are affected by Alzheimer’s. In mice, this bacteria also caused brain inflammation and neuron damage similar to that caused by Alzheimer’s. In humans, some studies have shown that those with fewer teeth are more likely to have dementia. Some experts think that during periodontitis the bacteria enter the bloodstream, invade white blood cells, and enter the brain, causing inflammation there.

At this point, it isn’t certain whether taking care of your gums will protect your brain from Alzheimer’s. More research is needed to prove causation. In the meantime, however, you may have yet another reason to take your gum health seriously and prevent periodontal disease. You can do this by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist in Edison twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Hopefully within a few years, the connection between these two diseases will become clearer.

About the Practice

At Resnick & Rosenfeld, patients in the Edison area have access to two experienced, talented dentists. Dr. Steven Resnick graduated from and now teaches at the New York University College of Dentistry. After his graduation from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, Dr. David Rosenfeld later was awarded Fellowship status in the International Congress of Oral Implantology. To schedule an appointment with them, call (908) 668-7838 or click here.